On today's episode of all about books, I had the pleasure of speaking with author Leslie Vryenhoek about redemption and assuming a new identity. Watch our interview to find out what inspired this wicked Scrabble player to write her latest novel We All Will Be Received.

To learn more about this award-winning author, editor and communications professional...

Leslie's book was published by Breakwater Books.

When social activist Gemma Hickey began a 908-km walk across Newfoundland to raise awareness and funds for survivors of religious intuitional abuse the journey of self-discovery led to the realization that they are transgender.

Watch our interview to find out how Almost Feral according to Gemma is a book about "falling in love with yourself."

As a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, Gemma's experience and extensive research led to the formation of Pathways Foundation. The foundation addresses the gaps in the services for victims who have experienced abuse within religious intuitions.

A BIG thank you to Gemma for sharing their inspiring journey on all about books. It was an honour. To learn more about Gemma and Pathways Foundation,

Gemma's novel was published by Breakwater Books. 

Half of Gemma's royalties will go to Pathways Foundation. 

What inspires the author who tops Goodreads LGBTQ Stories From Around the World list? 

On today's episode of all about books we'll find out when I speak with educator and LGBTQ counsellor David Kingston Yeh about his latest novel Tales from the Bottom of My Sole--the sequel to A Boy at the Edge of the World.

​BTW...David also tells us about what it's like to live up the street from a circus academy. 

It was a pleasure to speak with David and if you'd like to learn more about him 

David's novel was published by Guernica Editions.

How do two American literary giants Ernest Hemingway and Hart Crane inspire author JA Wainwright? Let’s find out...

It was a delight to speak with author JA Wainwright. Andrew is the author of five books of poetry, five novels, and two critical biographies. His latest novel This Cleaving and This Burning is a story of creative passions stoked by unspoken desires within the mind and heart. It was published by Guernica Editions and it’s a Guernica Prize Winner. 

​If you'd like to learn more about Andrew or purchase a copy of his book​

What inspires an award-winning author, gardener, and carpenter? On today's episode of all about books we'll find out when I speak with Nina Newington about her latest novel Cardinal Divide. 

It was an honour speaking with Nina; if you'd like to learn more about her and voices rarely heard in fiction...

Cardinal Divide was published by Guernica Editions. Guernica is offering free shipping until end of September.

Fasten your seatbelt! Today's edition of all about books features internationally acclaimed novelist and screenwriter Brad Smith. From the moment I cracked open his novel The Goliath Run, Smith had me zooming through to find out what would happen next. 

If you want to find out what inspires Brad, watch our interview.

To learn more about Brad or to purchase a copy of his book(s)

Published by At Bay Press and they have autographed copies.

Catherine Kenwell and Heather Down are the authors of Not Cancelled /Canadian Kindness in the Face of COVID-19. Not cancelled is a collection of 49 human interest stories, from every province—Indigenous voices, newcomers, people of all ages.

Amid the craziness of COVID, when everything was being cancelled—the book focuses on all this goodness that wasn’t. Not Cancelled made me feel proud to be Canadian. For an injection of kindness, watch our interview.

To learn more about this author, mediator and brain injury survivor

Not cancelled was published by Wintertickle Press. To purchase a copy

On all about books, I had the pleasure of interviewing author Logan Macnair. His debut novel Panegyric (a public speech or published text in praise of someone or something; a eulogy) not only kept me entertained--it improved my vocabulary!

Watch our interview to find out how Leonard Cohen inspires Logan. 

If you'd like to learn more about this writer, doctoral student (specializing in extremist media, ideology, and radicalization), and pub trivia frequenter or purchase a copy of Logan's novel

BTW...that incredible picture was taken in Israel. 

Critically acclaimed novelist, screen writer and TV documentarian Paul Butler was today's guest on all about books. Paul's novel Mina's Child examines the Dracula myth from a VERY different perspective.

Click below to find out what prompted Paul to shake things up in his version. 

If you'd like to learn more about Paul or purchase a copy of Mina's Child

Published by Inanna Publications.

On all about books, we'll go to Africa with author A.S. Compton. Her debut novel A Grandmother Named Love follows a tradition woman who lives on the Kalahari and finds herself the sole caregiver for seven young grandchildren. 

​Click below to find out how a 6-month stint in Africa was the inspiration behind Compton's novel and how her time abroad changed her...